Friday's clash between nonconference and nonsection foes features two teams primed to be major contenders come postseason play.
Centennial enters the final week of the regular season with a commanding eight-point lead in the highly competitive Northwest Suburban Conference North Division.
The No. 3-2A Cougars (20-2-1, 14-0-1) continued their unbeaten run in conference play with a 3-0 win against Spring Lake Park on Jan. 27. Senior forward Gabbie Hughes tallied three assists in the victory, adding to her team-high 65 points this season.
Blake finished with a perfect record in Independent Metro Athletic Conference play this season, but the Bears have not been as successful against nonconference foes -- posting a 1-1 overtime tie with Wayzata and a 5-2 loss to Edina. Blake looks to avoid adding another loss or tie to its record while facing tests in its final two regular season games. The Bears visit No. 8-2A Blaine on Thursday before hosting No. 3-2A Centennial.
The No. 2-2A Bears have responded to the loss to No. 1-2A Edina on Jan. 20 with back-to-back victories over league rival No. 5-1A St. Paul United, including a 4-0 victory on Jan. 27.
Blake is led by a potent offensive attack that features junior forward Izzy Daniel. The Cornell commit had two goals in Saturday's win to give her a team-best 22 goals this season. She's been key to her team's 4.78 goals per game average.